Stephanie Charles: SHOPPING CARTS, BABY SHOWERS and BONFIRES

Description

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is returning to this year’s Week of Action Against Poverty. This challenge is being undertaken by individuals in the community who have interests within the health field. Participants have been asked to attempt to stay within a social assistance benefits’ budget. A single person on Ontario Works would receive $337 monthly for all of their personal needs and $384 for all of their shelter costs. Because participants cannot replicate the housing conditions realistically, shelter costs are not included within this challenge. For the five day challenge, participants will have $11 daily to cover all food and drink, entertainment, some personal supplies and transportation costs. Each day, every participant will be given a challenge card which will reveal an unexpected challenge to be completed before the end of the day.

A Walk in Other’s Shoes is not a competitive challenge. It is a challenge that raises awareness of the hurdles that people living on social assistance face daily. As we within our community develop our own understanding, we can begin to reduce the barriers that they encounter and ultimately increase opportunities for increased prosperity for all. The challenge takes place February 10th-14th, 2018.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

SHOPPING CARTS, BABY SHOWERS and BONFIRES

This challenge was difficult for me. I felt very uncomfortable thinking about asking for money from people. I would be willing to work for money, or collect cans - just to feel as though I deserved what I collected and gave something in return. Asking for grocery cart money isn't like that. I waited by the cart area for about 5 mins feeling very awkward with no success, and I chickened out a couple of times. I tried to examine the feeling that I had at that time, and basically it was embarrassment which in turn made me ashamed. I moved locations and started to walk around the parking lot area - I was more comfortable moving and felt less awkward. I kept running into people that I knew, but I couldn't tell them I was participating in A Walk in Other's Shoes. I was able to collect two dollars from people who knew me and I believe they assumed that I was just out of loonies and they were doing me a favour. I walked away for a length of time so that as they left, they wouldn't see that I was still looking for more money. This made me feel really sneaky just very low. After this I collected a cart that was far away and brought it back for the loonie. I was going to leave at this point but I reminded myself that this is an extra $4 for the week and I wasn't sure if there would be other opportunities for money. I waited another 20 minutes looking for cart opportunities - but nothing was really happening so I pulled the plug.

This was completely demeaning and for a relatively simple task was very hard for me to wrap my mind around.

I didn't have much time to reflect on my experience because I was late for a baby shower for baby Daisy - thankfully I was able to catch a ride with my sister in law and family. It was a lot of fun to see many friends, family and babies! This lightened my mood! I wasn't able to bring any food (normally I would have offered to) and I had already given a gift - but this made me reflect on the plain fact that on social assistance it would be unrealistic to think that you have excess to share. I get joy from giving gifts and finding something that would be useful and thoughtful for my friends and family. I think this whole social convention would be stressful for someone without resources. Again I felt a little shame because I reminded myself that gifts are not just monetary and there are many things you can give that don't cost money.

After the baby shower we had a bonfire at our house with a couple of friends - a low cost event that was a lot of fun!

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About Me

I was fortunate to grow up in Kenora surrounded by such natural beauty. I love Northwestern Ontario and the variety of outdoor activities that are possible here. I especially enjoy fishing, going on boat rides, bonfires, partridge hunting, blueberry picking, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing – It seems like weekends are never long enough for all these adventures and it is hard to choose what to do sometimes! I work at the Northwestern Health Unit as a Health Promoter and believe in the work of public health. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my fur baby Hudson.

Why do you want to undertake the Walk In Our Shoes challenge?

I think it is very important to look at the links between poverty and health. My main reason for participating in a Walk in Other’s Shoes is to experience and gain insight into some of the struggles folks in poverty face.

What do you think will be the hardest part of the five days?

Living in poverty is difficult. I think that if you are living in poverty you have to be always planning to make the most of the limited resource and personal connections you have. For example, today I was not organized and didn’t bring a lunch to work – but I do have the option of driving my car to a restaurant and picking up a meal to go. So for me I think it will be challenging to have everything planned out. As well, I will have to forego some luxuries that are not essential, but I think I can manage that ok.

Have you thought of any strategies for helping you get through it?

I hope to eat one good healthy meal per day, but expect that my other meals may not be as healthy. I also expect to be walking more places and not relying on my vehicle as much.

What do you expect to gain from your experience?

I hope to gain insight and appreciate the resiliency that folks who are experiencing poverty have. I also think my experience with remind me how lucky I am to have abundance in my life and help me advocate for the vulnerable folks I meet through my job.